Music and Memory at Pleasant Hills Village

I’m writing today to let you know about a program we have going on at Pleasant Hill Healthcare, called Music and Memory. We’ve received a small grant to get us started and we’re hoping to add to it.

Under the program, residents receive their own iPod shuffle and, working with their families, staff and volunteers create a personalized playlist. Research has shown that the memories implanted by music are among the last to be affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Music therapy can reach residents in ways that other therapies cannot.

Studies have shown music can help reduce anxiety and help with reducing Alzheimer’s-related behaviors. It is our hope that we can reduce the reliance on anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medication.

So, we are asking the Brethren churches for help. We are in need of gently used iPod shuffles, or in lieu of that, financial donations. We will use the money to purchase iPods, extra chargers, headphones and iTunes gift cards.

Thanks for your help and do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions about the program.

Darrin Barnett,
Director of Development
Pleasant Hill Village